Gov. Mark Dayton on Thursday signed a bill naming a segment of Minnesota 36 in North St. Paul as the Officer Richard Crittenden Sr. Memorial Highway.

The designation honors the first North St. Paul police officer killed in the line of duty. A nine-year veteran of that city's police department, Crittenden was fatally shot Sept. 7, 2009, while responding to a domestic violence call at an apartment building.

"Although we can never repay Officer Crittenden for his heroic sacrifice or fill the terrible void felt by his family, friends and fellow officers, this action will help honor his memory and heroic service for many years to come," Dayton said in a statement.